WWBG: Wines of the Week

With our wine inventory constantly changing due to new vintages and customer requests, I’ve decided to write about some new and exciting wines we have to offer. These wines either have limited inventory, a hot new brand/varietal, or just something different that pairs with the current season. Here are some excellent wines we have available:

Tilia Torrontes 2011 Salta, Argentina $10.99

Torrontes is one of the only wine grape varietals that originated in Argentina. Its Muscat-like flavor produces an off dry floral white wine. This particular Torrontes is owned and made by Argentina’s famous wine family, the Catena’s. Just recently, this wine and its varietal Torrontes have started receiving great press from the wine world. Robert Parker scored this wine 90 points and described it as “an attractive bouquet of yellow plum, dried flowers and grapefruit.” At only $10.99, this unique wine is a must try at a great value.

Bodegas Breca Garnacha de Fuego 2011 Aragon, Spain $11.99

This wine is always on limited supply. With 10,000 cases shipped to the United States, wine markets from all over the country can’t wait to get their hands on it. Simply put, this wine is one of the best values out there. It costs $12, but drinks like $30. The wine critics agree. The Wine Advocate scored this wine 92 points. It has many notes of dark berries, chocolate, tobacco, pepper, spices and a long smooth finish.

Makara Sauvignon Blanc 2011 Marlborough, New Zealand $14.99

As a wine buyer, finding a good value New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc has become extremely difficult. Wine makers produce a great wine at a great price and then raise that price once popularity increases. Kim Crawford and Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc both used to be well under $10. Now both are in the $15 to $20 range. I am fortunate enough to have found a good value New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc that you won’t have to break the bank for. Makara Sauvignon Blanc contains ripe, vibrant fruit aromas of gooseberry and grapefruit and a fragrant sweetness reminiscent of fresh New Zealand honey.

Bodegas Volver Tarima Hill 2010 Alicante, Spain $19.99

If you’ve been a reader of this weekly blog you probably notice my obsession with Spanish wine. You really can’t find better value than Spanish wine in the wine market today. Made from 100 percent Monastrell (Mourvedre) grapes, this wine received a score of 93 points from Robert Parker. In his words: “The opaque purple colored 2010 Tarima Hill exhibits notes of chocolate fudge, pen ink, graphite, blueberries and blackberries. This full-bodied 100 percent Monastrell should drink well for a decade or more. These amazing efforts taste more like they should cost $30 to $50 as opposed to the mid-teens.”

Robert Biale “Black Chicken” Zinfandel 2011 Napa, California $49.99

Seven years ago, a customer of mine who loved red Zinfandel constantly asked me to locate a Zinfandel called the “Black Chicken.” I searched and asked all my distributors if they could locate a case for me to no avail. Robert Biale’s “Black Chicken” is one of the most sought after Zinfandels on the market. But, at last, I found a case. I opened one up about a week ago with some friends to see what all the acclaim was about and I can easily say the “Black Chicken” is one of the best wines I have ever had. For any Zinfandel lover who usually buys Zinfandels such as Seghasio or Ridge, I recommend grabbing a bottle before I drink it all myself.

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